Philanthropy, although often used in terms of activity, actually refers to a principle according to which someone acts. In that sense, philanthropy is the principle of benevolence, charity, and altruism.

The reason why it is often used in a sense of activity probably lies in the fact that this principle, without an activity to which it would serve as a basic tenet, stays merely an idea. It should be mentioned and used in accordance with the practice, i.e. it is expressed by action.

The idea of philanthropic activity is doing well for the other, or for the public good, regardless of one’s own benefits or success. This principle is being increasingly promoted in the economy and business sector, and with the growth of the corporate world, it emerged as a kind of control of responsibility that such accumulation of profit requires.

Philanthropy is not about the money. It's about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and applying them to improving the world.- Melinda Gates